It doesn’t matter if you’re a lover of literature, food, culture, art or, indeed, a lover of love itself – France has everything you need.
Your very own Tour de France
Many visitors gravitate to Paris, which is unsurprising given its incredible museums and galleries, abundance of world-class restaurants and cool cafés to relax in – not to mention a certain iconic tower.
But the north has many other charms, with cities such as Rouen, Lille and Reims offering plenty of attractions. The latter, in the Champagne region, has an incredible Gothic cathedral that dates all the way back to 1211.
Lille is a city which has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with some major reconstruction that has helped to emphasize its many tourist elements, not least the Palais Des Beaux Arts, where you can see works by Manet and Rubens.
Let it snow
While there are those who seek out the sun to the west and south of France, others pack their skis and goggles and make a beeline for the east and the Alps.
This vast mountain range is home to a host of great ski resorts that are perfect for boarding, skiing and more. Val D’Isere and Chamonix are two popular choices, and even if you’re not going to hit the slopes, they’re worth a visit for their stunning scenery.
Lyon is the east’s major city, pretty as a picture alongside the Saone and Rhone rivers, its pastel-colored buildings catching the sun. Try the carnivorous delights at Le Musee, one of the best ‘bouchons’ in the city, serving the finest in Lyonnaise fare.
Beautiful Brittany
Head for Brittany or Pays de la Loire in the west of France to explore the old streets of Nantes and the rugged Atlantic coast.
St. Malo is known as the city of pirates and has a long seafaring history, while the fortress city of Fougeres has medieval links and ramparts that make it a must for history buffs.
The aquarium at Brest is one of the best in France and heading further south-west you’ll encounter Guerande, another medieval town with famous salt flats. The idyllic town is packed with crêperies for lunch and gift shops selling their fleur de sel – a variety of sea salt synonymous with the region.
The glamor of the south
Perhaps the chicest part of all France, the Riviera on the south-east coast is a place to really make the most of car rental in France. Roads wind past blond beaches, the serene Mediterranean Sea and through petite coastal villages.
The stretch from Montpellier to Marseille and on to Cannes is where you put on your sunglasses and join the jet set. One of the best scenic drives is the ‘three corniches’ between Nice and Monaco, affording spectacular views.
Stop over in Nice and indulge in some of their specialties – the Nicoise salad, the pan bagnat and a ratatouille worthy of the name.
The bounty of France can be discovered by getting on the road in your rental car, taking in Provence, Languedoc, Normandy and so much more. You’ll be sure to come back again.